The 19th-ranked, 6-1 Utah Utes are doing well, but they are probably filled with frustration, with the injury bug hitting them bad. They have now lost leading rusher Arman Shyne for the remainder of the season (knee), while leading receiver Tim Patrick (leg) and second-string RB Zack Moss (undisclosed) are on the questionable list.
Adding to those problems is the inconsistency of QB Troy Williams, who’s only 17-of-42 in the last two games. And no, it’s not against much-superior teams, it was only Arizona and Oregon State.
The QB simply has to be a dozen times better, especially now that there’s no running game that can make him look good.
Utah’s next RB in line, Joe Williams, showed promise versus Oregon State, rushing for 179 yards on 5.3 yards per carry. We’ll see if he can provide a good follow-up performance Saturday.
As for the defense, the Utes’ 18th-ranked D, which allows 18.3 points per contest, should have its way against the hot and cold UCLA offense.
With QB Josh Rosen unlikely to play (leg), Mike Fafaul will be the projected starter for the second consecutive week. Fafaul was serviceable in his start against Washington State last Saturday, completing 24-of-40 passes for 258 yards, with three TDs, and two picks.
Obviously, serviceable won’t cut it with the solid Utah defense. It is bound to be an uphill battle, with UCLA being pretty average in scoring (26 points per game, 82nd in the nation), but the senior back-up and his crew will just have to find a way to make the offense shine more.
With the running game only producing a measly 83 yards in the last two outings, key receivers Darren Andrews, Kenneth Walker III, and Jordan Lasley must step up big time. Collectively, the trio has nine TDs this season, three short of surpassing the rest of the team’s active players on offense.
The defense isn’t as horrendous. They are slightly better with a 43rd-ranked D that allows 23.1 points per game. The unit’s matchup with Utah’s current starting back Joe Williams will be the most intriguing. UCLA will look to continue their two-game streak of limiting opponents under 100 yards.
The Bruins are 6-4 SU (3-7 ATS) in their last 10 games at home.
